15/07/2026
Meet Marilena Raouna (2002)
💼 Deputy Minister for European Affairs, in charge of the preparations and political oversight of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026, which concluded on 30 June. Throughout her career, she has held senior roles in European institutions and government, contributing to European and international policy and diplomacy.
🎓After graduating from the American Academy Larnaca in 2002, Marilena studied Jurisprudence at the University of Oxford, followed by a Master of Laws in Public International and European Law at the London School of Economics as a Chevening Scholar. She has served at the European Commission, the Permanent Representation of Cyprus to the European Union, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Special Advisor of the Minister and the Diplomatic Office of the President of the Republic as Director and EU Sherpa.
🏫 Reflecting on her time at AAL, Marilena says the Academy was much more than a school. She credits it with shaping her character, values, and sense of responsibility, while fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong commitment to integrity and service. She believes the friendships and strong sense of community she gained at AAL continue to guide her both personally and professionally.
✨Advice to students: Stay true to your values, work hard, embrace lifelong learning, and always have the courage to stand up for what is right.
📖 Read the full interview here: https://www.academy.ac.cy/alumni_story/marilena-raouna/
